Olivia Rodrigo has issued a heartfelt statement addressing the ongoing deportation crisis gripping the United States. The former NME cover star's remarks resonate amidst fiery protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) raids on numerous Los Angeles workplaces, cited for alleged immigration infractions. In response to these demonstrations, President Donald Trump sanctioned the deployment of the National Guard, empowering them to conduct anti-protest actions over the subsequent 60 days.
Taking to her Instagram story yesterday, June 14th, Rodrigo penned an emotive message regarding the crisis. "I've spent my entire life in LA, and I'm profoundly disturbed by the brutal deportations of my neighbors under this administration," she wrote. "LA's very existence is intertwined with the contributions of immigrants," she continued, her voice echoing the sentiments of countless others. "To treat diligent community members with such scant respect, empathy, and due process is nothing short of deplorable. I stand in solidarity with the magnificent, multifaceted community of Los Angeles and with immigrants across America. I champion our fundamental rights to freedom of speech and the liberty to protest."
Moments later, she posted a snap of protesters, their placards bearing the slogan "NO KINGS in our USA," a nod to the 'No Kings' movement that underscores America's republican form of government and Trump's lack of monarchical authority.
Rodrigo joins a chorus of musicians denouncing ICE. Just last weekend, Finneas revealed he had been tear-gassed by the National Guard at a "peaceful" LA protest. "Fuck ICE," he lambasted on social media, later adding, "If you embrace fascism, you are small-minded, weak, and destined for defeat." Similarly, Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello participated in an anti-ICE protest, urging the people to "defend LA." Elsewhere, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong voiced his support by telling ICE to "take a hike."
Shakira, too, confessed to living in "constant dread" as an immigrant in the US. Notably, Khaby Lame, the world's most popular TikTok star, reportedly fled the country after being detained by ICE earlier this week.
In other news, Rodrigo is gearing up for a momentous headline performance at Hyde Park's London series later this month. Her June 27th gig marks her largest UK show to date. Although tickets for the BST Hyde Park concert are sold out, any last-minute tickets that become available can be found here. This isn't the only significant UK gig Rodrigo has lined up for summer; she will also headline Glastonbury 2025 alongside Neil Young and The 1975. Her slot on the Pyramid Stage will be her second appearance at the Worthy Farm festival, following her captivating performance to a colossal crowd at The Other Stage in 2022.
